City of Kingston announces planting of over 40,000 trees under way
Update (Monday, May 1, 2023, at 2 p.m.):
According to the City of Kingston, the trees being planted at both sites — the former Kingston East Landfill site at 3706 4th Concession Road, and the Butternut Creek site situated on the south side of Butternut Creek Road between municipal addressess 1324 and 1334 — are a mix of white pine, Norway spruce, white cedar, and larch trees. The third managed forest site, to be planted in 2024, will be located on Pine Grove Road, also in the east end of the city.
Original article:
Partnerships with Tree Canada and the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority have allowed the City of Kingston to plant “over 40,000 trees at two locations,” the City has announced.
The planting began on Tuesday, Apr. 28, and is continuing today, Monday, May 1, 2023, according to a press release from the City of Kingston, which referred to the project as “collaborating for a greener future.” The tree planting, which is using “a mechanical process designed to save time and cover a larger area,” is being done “with a goal of creating managed forest sites that support a more climate resilient community,” the City said.
In total, 21,000 trees have and will be planted at the “Butternut Creek site,” which the City specified is located “east of the St. Lawrence Business Park,” but without an exact location. This follows the planting of 20,000 seedlings, completing the “managed forest” at the former Kingston East Landfill site, located at 3706 4th Concession Road in the former Pittsburgh Township, according to the City.
“Creating managed forests is a powerful way we can mitigate the effects of climate change,” Paul MacLatchy, Director of Environment at the City of Kingston said in a statement.
“Every tree planted makes a difference, contributing to a much-needed reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and bringing us closer to our goal of carbon neutrality by 2040.”
According to the City, the two sites were selected “to maximize opportunities for carbon sequestration, the process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide to prevent release into the atmosphere,” which is complementary to the already-existing “rural and urban tree programs aimed at increasing the City’s tree canopy.”
“Climate action is not just about reducing emissions, it’s also about planting the seeds of a better future. Every tree we plant today will provide shade, clean air and a home for wildlife tomorrow. I’m thrilled to be part of this powerful project and I’m grateful for the support of our partners,” McLatchy continued in the press release, which noted that the “significant” number of trees are being planted at a low cost to the City, “due to significant subsidies from Tree Canada’s 2 Billion Trees Partnership Program.”
Tree Canada is the only national non-profit organization dedicated to planting and nurturing trees in rural and urban environments, in every province across the country, according to the organization’s website.
The City also noted that Utilities Kingston provided financial support through its water heater rental program, “where proceeds from rentals are reinvested into local climate action initiatives like tree plantings for managed forests and electric vehicle (EV) chargers.”
“This project demonstrates the power of community partnership and collaboration, bringing together many organizations to achieve one shared goal – a healthier and more resilient community,” said Remi Adedapo, Director of Utilities Engineering for Utilities Kingston.
“With your help, we will continue to support essential climate action projects that reduce our carbon footprint and create a more sustainable community.”
According to the release, the City has identified a third location for a managed forest, where planting is to occur in 2024. The City did not say where that location will be.
Kingston reached out to the City to find out how the two sites were chosen, as well as which type(s) of tree(s) are being/have been planted, and where the third managed forest site will be. No response was received by time of publication, however, this article will be updated if/when more information becomes available.
More information on municipal climate change and environmental sustainability projects can be found on the City of Kingston website.
I applaud the City’s intentions here! However, this looks like plantation planting , in rows, only a few species, not the best way as we now know to grow a biodiverse forest of of indigenous species. Using a tractor to plant means more compression of the soil. However, even if only half survive, it will be a lot of trees!
Yay!
Yay! It may not be mother nature’s way…but she will straighten out our clumsiness.